Tom Petty Says His Next Tour May Be the ‘Last Big One’

In April 2017, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will begin a three-month tour of the U.S. in celebration of their 40th anniversary. However, Petty believes that it could usher in a period where the band slows down.

"I'm thinking it may be the last trip around the country," Petty told Rolling Stone. "It's very likely we'll keep playing, but will we take on 50 shows in one tour? I don't think so. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was thinking this might be the last big one. We're all on the backside of our 60s. I have a granddaughter now I'd like to see as much as I can. I don't want to spend my life on the road. This tour will take me away for four months. With a little kid, that's a lot of time."

That said, his two longest-serving members in the Heartbreakers, guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench, don’t fully believe him. "I've been hearing him say that of the past 10 years. It would be a shame to stop playing while we're at the peak of our abilities,” said Campbell, while Tench added, “"I don't know what's on Tom's mind, because he certainly hasn't said that to me."

The set list for the upcoming tour also proves a challenge. While they’re aware of the need to play their numerous hits, their 2013 multi-night stands in theaters in New York and Los Angeles reminded them of what happens when they dig deeper into their catalog. Among the obscurities being considered are “You’re Gonna Get It,” “Room at the Top,” “Fooled Again,” “Luna,” “Echo,” “Louisiana Rain” and “Hurt.”